Colossians

A Prickle of Porcupines

November 19, 2023 • Matt Holmes • Colossians 4:7–18

The last 11 verses of Colossians are a series of notes to and from individuals involved with the church in Colossae. While these notes may seem unimportant, they give a glance behind the scenes of the early church, and we see that one thing has always been true about the church: it is a thoroughly-mixed bag.

The Final Instructions

November 12, 2023 • Matt Holmes • Colossians 4:2–6

In Colossians 4:2-6, Paul lays out his final instructions for the church in Colossae. How can they maintain their loyalty to Jesus and his resurrection way of life? How can they participate in the spread of the Gospel?

The Eternal Perspective

November 5, 2023 • Matt Holmes • Colossians 3:18—4:1

Colossians 3:18-4:1 is one of the more controversial passages in the New Testament today. Why doesn't Paul call for the abolition of oppression? Why does he tell Christians to submit? In this week's sermon we'll see how Paul is working from a radically different perspective than most people.

Put On the New Self

October 29, 2023 • Matt Holmes • Colossians 3:12–17

In Colossians 3 Paul tells us to put on the "new self" that looks like Jesus. Today we look at verses 12-17, where Paul paints the picture of exactly what that looks like in practice.

Out With the Old Self

October 22, 2023 • Matt Holmes • Colossians 3:5–11

What does it look like to be "raised with Christ?" When the metaphors are dropped, what does it look like in our everyday actions to be molded into the image of Christ? That's what Paul explains in this week's passage.

Anagnosis

October 15, 2023 • Matt Holmes • Colossians

In Colossians Paul tells the church to practice something called "Anagnosis." In his first letter to Timothy, Paul commands him to do the same thing in his churches. What is anagnosis?

Dead and Risen

October 1, 2023 • Matt Holmes • Colossians 2:20—3:4

In this week's passage Paul tells the Colossians that they are dead in Christ AND risen in him. How can these both be true? What do they mean? How should they change the way the Colossians live?

The Triumph of Christ

September 24, 2023 • Matt Holmes • Colossians 2:13–19

In Colossians 2:13, Paul's says that the Colossians had been "dead." Is that only a metaphor, or does it speak to something deeper in the human condition? If it does, then how does Jesus save us from that kind of "death"?

Is Jesus Enough?

September 17, 2023 • Matt Holmes • Colossians 2:6–12

Paul wrote to the Colossians because they were experience doubts--the same kinds of doubts that Christians would feel throughout the ages--Is Jesus really enough? Do I need something else--something more--to make me right with God or give my life meaning? And how do I know that I've received what Jesus has to give me--especially when I don't feel fulfilled? In Colossians 2:6-12 Paul begins his powerful answer.

The Mystery of Christ

September 10, 2023 • Matt Holmes • Colossians 1:23—2:5

Paul wrote his letter to the Colossians from prison. Why would the Colossians want to follow someone whose faith got them thrown in jail? Why is the Gospel worth suffering over? And why does Paul "rejoice" about his suffering?

The Firstborn of Creation

September 3, 2023 • Matt Holmes • Colossians 1:15–23

Paul expects the Colossians to make a serious, total commitment to Jesus Christ. But is Jesus worth such complete loyalty? Can he trusted to keep his promises? Is he really so different from all the other powers in this world?

A Life That Pleases the Lord

August 27, 2023 • Matt Holmes • Colossians 1:9–14

What kind of life pleases God? What does it take to lead a Godly life? In Colossians 1:9-14, Paul sets out a goal for the Colossians for how they can lead lives that are beautiful to God.

A Fruit-Bearing Church

August 20, 2023 • Matt Holmes • Colossians 1:1–8

In the opening passage of Paul's letter to the Colossians, he praises them for bearing fruit for the Gospel in their community. What were the Colossians doing right? How can we do the same thing today?

Turner Christian Church

Fall 2023